The new production lines will produce HTPS panels for advanced 3LCD projectors and 3LCD projection TVs on 300-mm (12-inch) quartz glass wafers, a first for Epson.

Demand for HTPS panels used in business projectors has been steadily rising along with increased demand for presentations in business and, more recently, increased projector use in the education market.

Meanwhile, the spread of DVD players and digital broadcasts has sparked burgeoning consumer demand for front projectors and large-screen 3LCD projection TVs for the home. Demand for 3LCD projection TVs has been especially pronounced in North America, and from last year, in Japan.

Epson is the worldwide leader in data projectors (2003) as per Decision Tree Consulting. In India, Epson is the No 2 player with a market share of 14 per cent and close to achieving the top position. The demand for projectors in India has been growing rapidly and Epson has doubled its sale in the last one year. Demand in India is being driven primarily by the corporate and the educational segments.

Epson is currently manufacturing HTPS panels on 200-mm (8-inch) wafers at its Suwa Minami Plant in Fujimi, Nagano Prefecture. However, with demand predicted to outstrip capacity, Epson decided to begin full operations at the Chitose fab to secure a stable supply for its popular product.